Early 2009-10 NBA Analysis: Teams on the Rise (Part 1)

Sure it's early as we're just over 10 games into the 09-10 NBA season, but it looks to be shaping up into one of the most interesting in recent years. The season started with four (Lakers, Celtics, Cavs, Magic) clear cut championship contenders with perhaps the Spurs factoring into the discussion based on health concerns. While I'd still bank on one of the five aforementioned teams coming away with the championship despite some their struggles as of late, teams like Denver, Atlanta, and Phoenix are looking to jump into the championship debate. Looking away from the upper echelons will find you with many up and coming teams with some playoff aspirations, I don't really see a clear top eight in either conference and hopefully the competition for playoff spots will be intense this year.

On the Rise

Denver: Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony have the Nuggets competing at a championship level as noted in their extremely impressive victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. I'm not quite sold on Carmelo as a top 5 player in the NBA and I still believe Chauncey is what makes this team go. They didn't make many changes in the offseason and were subsequently written off for the most part, but small changes such as drafting Ty Lawson and picking up Afflalo have worked out great so far. If JR Smith can continue to mature you've got to like their chances, last year wasn't a fluke.

Phoenix: The Suns have exceeded all expectation so far into this season. Steve Nash looks to be in MVP form, making Channing Frye appear to be a good NBA player, getting Jason Richardson playing at an all-star level, and bringing back memories of the 1950's for Grant Hill. It's probably NBA blasphemy, but I find Steve Nash more entertaining to watch than ANY point guard. Unfortunately, as fun as the suns are to watch, and as great as their playing they're just too small to match up with teams like the Los Angeles Yankees.

Atlanta: The Hawks 10-2 start is great; however I don't see them making much of a splash beyond the second round of the playoffs. Their victories over Denver and Boston were impressive, but overall they just don't have the size or talent to consistently match up with the top east teams. Josh Smith is taking a much better selection of shots and Horford seems to be improving every year. A real center allowing Horford to play the 4 and Marvin Williams to come off the bench would go a long way in establishing this team as a true contender.

Dallas: I don't know what to make of the Mavericks. They lose to the Wizard, and then beat the Lakers and turn around to lose to the Spurs without Duncan or Parker. If they can get some consistency they may be able to make a splash in the West. I like Gooden playing as he adds another offensive weapon rather than the liability that is Dampier, but Dampier may be needed for certain match ups. I've genuinely liked Beaubois recent play, he looks to become a solid pickup for the Mavs.